Dhaka, Bangladesh :A tragic air disaster struck the heart of Dhaka when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into a college building, claiming the lives of 19 people — including the pilot, 16 students, and two teachers. The aging aircraft, widely dubbed the "Grandpa Fighter Jet," has once again raised serious concerns over the continued operation of outdated military jets in densely populated areas.
The F-7,
a Chinese-built variant of the Soviet MiG-21, was developed in the 1960s during
a turbulent geopolitical era. Initially a result of collaboration between China
and the Soviet Union, the program splintered following the Sino-Soviet split.
In response, China reverse-engineered the MiG-21F-13, creating the J-7 for
domestic use and the F-7 for export.
This Cold
War-era jet was once seen as a symbol of military independence for many
developing nations, but over time, it has become an outdated relic still flying
in modern skies. Despite its obsolescence in many air forces, the F-7 remains
in active service across numerous countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania, and
Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh
currently maintains a fleet of 36 F-7 jets, used primarily for training and
light combat roles. The aircraft involved in the crash was reportedly
conducting a routine flight before losing control and plunging into the college
premises, triggering a deadly fire and widespread panic.
Pakistan
is the largest foreign operator of Chinese-made jets, fielding over 120
aircraft from the J-7/F-7 lineage. However, many of these have since been
supplemented or replaced by the more advanced JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed
with China.
Military
analysts have long cautioned against relying on reverse-engineered legacy
platforms like the J-7/F-7 in 21st-century airspace. With little room for
modern avionics or advanced safety upgrades, these aircraft are increasingly
viewed as flying time bombs — especially when flown over urban areas.
The
tragedy has reignited debates in Bangladesh and other F-7 operating nations
about the urgent need to modernize their air fleets and retire Cold War-era
equipment. Experts warn that unless aging platforms like the F-7 are grounded
or phased out, more lives may be lost in the future to preventable disasters.
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